Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iowa City Gravel?

Iowa City Gravel (ICGravel or ICG, for short) is a non-stop, self-supported, bicycle race along the gravel and dirt roads of rural Eastern Iowa featuring routes of 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Is this a mountain bike race?

Yes! (and no) Race what you brung. We expect to see bikes from across the spectrum. This race is not only about seeing who is the fastest. It is about having fun. If that 1980 Schwinn Varsity puts a smile on your face, bring it and have fun.

​Iowa City Gravel will feature five divisions to compete in: fat tire (3.8 in or wider), skinny tire (28 mm or thinner), single speed, women’s, and open.

What about teams?

You'd better believe it! Teams shall have one member in each category (Open, Women’s, Single Speed/Fixed Gear, Fat Tire, Skinny Tire) in order to be eligible for scoring. Teams shall be scored by the top finisher in each category at either distance using cross country scoring (1 point for 1st place, 2 for 2nd, etc. – lowest total score wins). In the event of a tie, the team with more scoring members in the 100 mile race will be declared the winner.

When and where is Iowa City Gravel held?

Iowa City Gravel occurs in mid to late October and starts from River Junction (about 10 miles South of Iowa City).

river huh?

Situated at the convergence of the Iowa and English rivers, River Junction is a probably the coolest "town" in Iowa that you've never heard of. Although many of the original structures have been removed over the years, the historic General Store (now River Junction Chiropractic Clinic) will serve as the starting and finishing location. Surrounded by mature oaks, maples, and hickories that are liable to be in their peak fall colors on October 22, River Junction is a local treat that still has a few tricks up its sleeve.

What makes ICG unique?

In our opinion, Iowa City is the best place to stage a gravel race. It features a lively urban area literally blocks from an extensive network of gravel roads and has a phenomenal bike culture. (seriously, we challenge you to find a place in the Midwest where there are more bike shops per capita) We love riding here and we're happy to have you.

Who can participate in Iowa City Gravel?

You and all of your favorite cycling friends!

​What equipment do I need to participate in Iowa city gravel?

You will need a bike (see above for division specs), a helmet, a red rear light, and a white front light. That's it! We won’t be checking anything else. Ride naked if that makes you faster. As long as your noggin is protected and cars can see your bike.

can i ride a tandem?

Sure! You can even have a stoker (you will have to share the T-shirt), BUT you will not be considered for a podium spot this year.

other races have tandem divisions - why not icg?

Tell you what. Find 4 other tandems to register for the same distance and we will create a division!

will there be prizes?

,Yes! Over $1,000 in merchandise prizes will be in play for the top 3 finishers in each division in both distances. In addition, we've got some rad door prizes! A huge thanks to our sponsors for making it possible for us to outfit you with some fantastic gear!

What is the course like?

There will be hills, there will be wind, there will be flat buff gravel and some B roads. There may even be a section or two of pavement (but not much).

Will the course be marked?

Don't count on it! If we put out course markers it will be to help everyone keep moving along. There is no guarantee that course markers wouldn’t be blown away, rained out, taken down or just missed. So we do not guarantee course markers.

Will I get a cue sheet?

Nope! You will be responsible for downloading course maps, cue sheets, and/or GPX files prior to race day. Part of the adventure of gravel grinding is finding your way from Point A to Point B, regardless of whether your preferred means of navigation is GPS, a map and compass, or the stars.

Do I need a support crew?

Nope! That said, we'd highly recommend that you have a contact on standby should you decide to throw in the towel. We'll have some roving neutral support, but it could be a long wait.

Will I be allowed to receive any outside assistance during the event?

Plan to carry enough food, water, and equipment to get from checkpoint to checkpoint without outside support. Shopping at convenience stores, visiting friendly farmers, and receiving help from fellow participants is allowed and encouraged. Littering on course will be grounds for immediate disqualification.

What are these checkpoints that you keep referring to?

Riders must check-in at several points throughout the day. At each checkpoint, you will receive a color-coded token. Each checkpoint will also feature food and drinks to keep you riding strong. A select number of stops will feature neutral mechanic support.

What is the best tire choice for Iowa City Gravel?

Weather makes all the difference for this question. Our advice is to pick something wide enough to provide comfort and float but small enough to be fast. Unless you’re in the skinny tire division...

I keep hearing stories about all the flat tires. Are these stories true?

Flat’s happen. Bike parts break. Have the parts and skills you need to get yourself to the finish line. If you don’t have that, make sure you have a cell phone and a number to call.

How do I sign up and can I do so the day of the event?

We will not take sign ups the day of the race. On race morning, we will be very focused putting on the best race we can.

i'm interested, but this may be a little too challenging for me. Is there a less intense/shorter option?

The 2018 100 km course is about 64 miles and will be open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. We believe most riders can accomplish this with a reasonable amount of preparation and determination. That said, this is a race and we expect our participants to push themselves to their own personal limit. If this is not what you are looking for, we can recommend some great rides to do now so next year you will be up for the challenge.

If I bring my family, will they have anything to do?

Definitely! We encourage your friends and family to explore the area and cheer you on from our stops at Wilson's Orchard, Sutliff Bridge (100 mi riders only), the Seacrest Octagonal Barn, and Burt's Tavern. River Junction will also be geared up to celebrate riders as they come across the line and will feature a number of historical tours for visitors throughout the day.

Questions? How can I keep abreast of event news and updates?

For detailed course rules and information, we'd recommend that explore the other tabs under "Info." For the latest event news and updates, please follow us on Facebook (@ICGravel) and Twitter (@IowaCityGravel)